HPV Symptoms: Genital Warts, Pain, Discharge
Genital warts are usually the only visible sign that someone has HPV infection. These are small neoplasms that appear on or inside the sex organs for weeks, months, or even years after sexual contact. They usually look like small, red or white cauliflowers; they may be flat or feel like small raised bumps; and there may be only one you can see or feel, or there may be many.
HPV Symptoms (Genital Warts) in Women
In women, genital warts can appear on :
- vulva,
- urethra,
- cervix,
- vagina,
- anus, or
- thighs.
HPV Symptoms (Genital Warts) in Men
In men, warts may appear on :
- penis,
- scrotum,
- anus, or
- thighs.
Having Genital Wart does not mean that you have cancer or are about to develop cancer; they are not precancerous lesions. Genital Wart is usually painless, but it can sometimes cause itching or burning. When genital warts are visible, they can cause embarrassment and affect relationships due to reluctance to talk about it with your partner.
HPV Symptoms - Oral
Most patients generally do not have obvious symptoms. The early symptoms of HPV oral cavity may include oral mucositis, and in severe cases, ulcers and suppuration may occur, and even accompanied by swelling and pain, and bleeding may occur as the disease progresses. Long-term and persistent oral HPV infection may eventually lead to oral cancer.
Symptoms of HPV-induced Anal cancer
Symptoms of anal cancer may include
- anal bleeding,
- difficult intestine movements,
- pain or lumps,
- itching or discharge.
When signs and symptoms appear, an intra-anal examination should be performed.
Common HPV symptoms by High risk HPV types
High risk HPV types are the main HPV types that causing HPV-related cancer, it may have:
- abnormal bleeding between periods
- postmenopausal bleeding
- bleeding after sex
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain
- unexplained weight loss
- tiredness
Common HPV symptoms by Low risk HPV types
Low risk HPV types will not cause cancer, common symptoms may include:
- Growth of warts in the genital area, which can be itchy and cause discomfort
- can cause significant emotional and psychological distress
- may cause bleeding after defecation if anal warts are present
- respiratory papillomatosis, which causes: hoarse voice due to damage to the voice box, difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking
HPV symptoms in Men
Most men who get HPV never have symptoms. The infection usually goes away by itself. But, if HPV does not go away, it can cause genital warts or certain kinds of cancer.
Common HPV symptoms in Men can be anything new or unusual on your penis, scrotum, anus, mouth, or throat. This includes:
- Warts,
- Unusual growths,
- Lumps, or
- Sores.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms (Female)
When there is a repeated or continuous HPV infection, cytopathies may appear in the affected part, especially in women. If it keeps to be untreated, it may finally develop to related cancer. Some signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding,
- pain during intercourse,
- increased vaginal discharge,
- pain in the pelvic area or lower back,
- weight loss,
- lack of energy, and
- shortness of breath.
The Pap test is a simple screening method that detects cell changes in the cervix. Regular Pap tests are the best way to detect abnormal cervical cells early and treat them before they develop into cervical cancer.
